Launching a 600+whp Evo is a night and day difference compared to launching a Z at your power levels. I've had both (well I still have my Z) and even with a 5spd my Z is significantly less finicky off the line than my Evo was (it made 606awhp)
It also looked like he missed 3rd gear too....with some decent tires that Evo *should* be a 9 second car